Legislative Yuan Consultant Wang Chuan-Chong attends the inauguration meeting of the “Animal Good Life Association”
On the morning of October 28, Legislative Yuan Consultant Wang Chuan-Chong attended the inauguration meeting of the “Animal Good Life Association,” launched by Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching. Distinguished guests in attendance included Legislator Lai Hui-Yuan, Legislator Lee Kuen-Cheng, Legislator Lin Yueh-Chin, Director of the Department of Animal Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture Chiang Wen-Chuan, Chairman of the Taiwan Veterinary Medical Association Tan Ta-Lun, Executive Supervisor of the Taoyuan City Veterinary Medical Association Sung Hung-Hai, Research Officer of the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan Lin Tai-Chin, Chairman of the Twelve Nights Institute Hsin-Jui Liu, and Dr. Shane Lin from the Taiwan Academy of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
The inaugural meeting kicked off with the opening remarks of the initiator Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching. After the visiting guests were invited to take a group photo, the adoption of the organization's charter and the election of the president and vice president took place. Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching noted that the association focuses on five major issues, including improvements to the evaluation and reward/punishment mechanisms for laboratory animals, thorough implementation of auditing and maintenance of exhibition animals, promotion of humane economic animal rearing practices, coordination of wildlife protection policies, and establishment of correct concepts for companion animal care. Legislator Kuo emphasized that ensuring the well-being and rights of animals is both a societal obligation and a reflection of a nation's level of civilization. She hoped that Taiwan can become a friendly country in terms of animal welfare.
Consultant Wang Chuan-Chong, in his remarks, said he was honored to attend the inauguration meeting of the “Animal Good Life Association” on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han. He added that animals are not just companions; they are also members of our families, providing company in our daily lives and bringing positive physical and mental effects. According to the latest survey of the Ministry of Agriculture, approximately 28.3% of the households in Taiwan kept pets in 2023, which shows that animal ownership has become an integral part of social life and highlights the compassion and care people have for animals. All sectors of society should work hand in hand to promote animal welfare policies that protect the well-being and rights of animals, to which they are entitled. This will aid in fostering a peaceful coexistence among people, nature, and all forms of life.
Consultant Wang further indicated that the animal protection organization with the longest history around the world is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA) in the UK. Since its establishment in 1824, the organization has been consistently promoting animal welfare through comprehensive protection systems, government lobbying, and educational outreach. Taiwan’s animal protection movement has been keeping up with the times though revisions of laws and regulations on the basis of the Act on Wildlife Conservation and the Animal Protection Act. In recent years, many experts, organizations, and groups have been actively involved in animal protection. Their efforts encompass the welfare of economic animals, laboratory animals, exhibition animals, fur-bearing animals, and companion animals. Consultant Wang said he hoped that through joint collaboration between the government, the private sector, and the international community, a friendly and humane environment can be fostered so that animal welfare will be upgraded to a new level.
Lastly, Consultant Wang thanked Legislator Kuo for her proactive assistance in establishing the association. He hoped that through legislative supervision, more comprehensive policies can be drafted, and more frequent exchanges and cooperation with the international community can be conducted to showcase mature democratic countries’ care and responsibility toward animals, aiming ultimately to ensure the protection and dignity of every life. The Legislative Yuan will give its full support to relevant administrative measures, working together to build an animal-friendly environment.
The inauguration meeting continued with congratulation speeches from the attending guests, followed by a brief discussion. The event came to a successful end after approximately 40 minutes in a friendly and warm environment.
The inaugural meeting kicked off with the opening remarks of the initiator Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching. After the visiting guests were invited to take a group photo, the adoption of the organization's charter and the election of the president and vice president took place. Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching noted that the association focuses on five major issues, including improvements to the evaluation and reward/punishment mechanisms for laboratory animals, thorough implementation of auditing and maintenance of exhibition animals, promotion of humane economic animal rearing practices, coordination of wildlife protection policies, and establishment of correct concepts for companion animal care. Legislator Kuo emphasized that ensuring the well-being and rights of animals is both a societal obligation and a reflection of a nation's level of civilization. She hoped that Taiwan can become a friendly country in terms of animal welfare.
Consultant Wang Chuan-Chong, in his remarks, said he was honored to attend the inauguration meeting of the “Animal Good Life Association” on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han. He added that animals are not just companions; they are also members of our families, providing company in our daily lives and bringing positive physical and mental effects. According to the latest survey of the Ministry of Agriculture, approximately 28.3% of the households in Taiwan kept pets in 2023, which shows that animal ownership has become an integral part of social life and highlights the compassion and care people have for animals. All sectors of society should work hand in hand to promote animal welfare policies that protect the well-being and rights of animals, to which they are entitled. This will aid in fostering a peaceful coexistence among people, nature, and all forms of life.
Consultant Wang further indicated that the animal protection organization with the longest history around the world is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA) in the UK. Since its establishment in 1824, the organization has been consistently promoting animal welfare through comprehensive protection systems, government lobbying, and educational outreach. Taiwan’s animal protection movement has been keeping up with the times though revisions of laws and regulations on the basis of the Act on Wildlife Conservation and the Animal Protection Act. In recent years, many experts, organizations, and groups have been actively involved in animal protection. Their efforts encompass the welfare of economic animals, laboratory animals, exhibition animals, fur-bearing animals, and companion animals. Consultant Wang said he hoped that through joint collaboration between the government, the private sector, and the international community, a friendly and humane environment can be fostered so that animal welfare will be upgraded to a new level.
Lastly, Consultant Wang thanked Legislator Kuo for her proactive assistance in establishing the association. He hoped that through legislative supervision, more comprehensive policies can be drafted, and more frequent exchanges and cooperation with the international community can be conducted to showcase mature democratic countries’ care and responsibility toward animals, aiming ultimately to ensure the protection and dignity of every life. The Legislative Yuan will give its full support to relevant administrative measures, working together to build an animal-friendly environment.
The inauguration meeting continued with congratulation speeches from the attending guests, followed by a brief discussion. The event came to a successful end after approximately 40 minutes in a friendly and warm environment.